Dollars At Work

Autism Speaks Canada is dedicated to increasing awareness, research, advocacy and family services for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.  Where do your dollars go? 

Science
Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $173 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families. $11 million has been granted to Canadian researchers from coast to coast.  Autism Speaks is dedicated to facilitating global research into the causes, treatments and an eventual cure for autism by:

• Promoting cross-disciplinary cooperation              
• Funding research
• Organizing research summit meetings
• Establishing standards for data collection and management to benefit the scientific community

For a list of Canadian research intiatives funded by Autism Speaks, click here.

In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks has resources and programs, such as the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (ATN).  The ATN offers families medical care from doctors highly experienced in helping individuals with autism and in providing treatment for associated conditions such as gastrointestinal and sleep disorders. ATN doctors are dedicated to finding better ways to manage the health of children with autism and sharing their increasing knowledge across the wider medical community.

In 2010, an Edmonton ATN site was added as a partnership between the University of Alberta and Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.

Family Services

Autism Speaks Canada awarded its first round of Family Services Community Grants in 2010. Since its inception, Autism Speaks Canada has distributed over $1.5 million to Canadian organizations. Overall, 12 grants have been awarded in Alberta, worth over $247,000 collectively.  Click here for a list of our 2012 Canadian recipients.  

Autism Speaks Family Services offers resources, tool kits, and support to help families and others manage the day-to-day challenges of living with autism.  Our tool kits are designed to help families address the needs of their loved ones affected by autism.  Some examples of our tool kits include The 100 Day Kit,  Blood Draw Tool Kit, Parent's Guide to Applied Behaviour Analysis, Family Supports Tool Kits, and School Community Tool Kit. These are just a few of the tool kits that have been developed.  For a full list, or to download a complete copy of a tool kit please visit our website.